Here are the top questions (and their answers) that we get from our students and their families! Don't see your question? Still need more info? Contact us, and ask away!

Also, check out our Teen Resources and Adult Resources pages for step-by-step guidance on navigating driver education and the licensure process.

What schools do your students attend?

We've instructed students from all over the greater Cleveland area, including both high school and college students. Since 2020, our Instructors have educated students from many schools, including...

Andrews Osborn Academy​
Aurora HS
Bais Yaakov Derechef Hatorah
Bath HS
Bay HS
​Beachwood HS
​Beaumont School
Beatrice Stone Yavne HS
Benedictine HS
Brecksville - Broadview Heights HS
Brush HS (⚡️ Go Arcs! ⚡️)
Case Western Reserve University
Chagrin Falls HS
​Chaviva HS
Cleveland Heights HS
Cleveland Institute of Art
Cleveland School of the Arts
Cleveland State University
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Cuyahoga Community College
​Davis Aerospace and Maritime HS
Eastlake North HS
Excel HS
Garrett Morgan School of Engineering and Innovation
Fairport Harding High School​
​FLEX HS
Fuchs Mizrachi School
Gilmour Academy
​Gina-Thompson School for Girls
Hathaway Brown
Hawken School
Hebrew Academy
​Heritage Christian School
​Homeschool!
Jackson HS
​John Carroll University
John Hay HS
Kenston High School
Kent State University
Lake Catholic HS
Lake Erie College
Lakeland Community College
Laurel School
Lawrence School
Lincoln-West School of Science and Health
Lutheran High School East
Lutheran High School West
Mayfield HS (😼 Wildcats! Wildcats! Rah! Rah! Rah! 😼)
Mentor HS
Miami Trace HS
Mosdos Ohr Hatorah
Nordonia HS
North HS
​Notre Dame Cathedral Latin
Notre Dame College
The Ohio State University
​Ohio Virtual Academy
​Orange HS
​Padua Franciscan HS
Port Clinton HS
Rhodes School of Environmental Studies
Richmond Heights Secondary School
​Riverside HS
Saint Ignatius HS
Saint Joseph Academy​
Shaker Heights HS
Shaw HS
​Solon HS
St. Ignatius HS
St. Martin de Porres HS
University School
Ursuline College
Villa Angela-St. Joseph HS
Walsh Jesuit HS
Washington County Career Center
West Geauga HS
​West Holmes HS
Willoughby South HS
Yeshiva of Cleveland
​Yeshiva Derech Hatora
Yeshiva High School - Sapirstein.

We're adding more schools all the time! And we instruct homeschooled students as well!

What do I need to bring to my first behind the wheel lesson?

Teen, Class D, Limited-Term License, and Abbreviated Adult Students
In class - temporary permit
Online - your signed training agreement and your temporary permit

Adults (21+)
Online - your signed training agreement and your temporary permit

How many behind the wheel lessons will I have?

Behind the wheel lessons are typically 2 hours in length. If you register for a course that includes 12 hours of behind the wheel lessons, you will have 6 behind the wheel lessons.

What should I do if I need to cancel/reschedule a behind the wheel lesson?

There is a $25/hour cancellation fee for cancelling/rescheduling a lesson fewer than 2 business days in advance of a scheduled lesson.

​Students who need to reschedule a lesson more than 2 business days in advance of a scheduled lesson must submit the Lesson Reschedule Request form and submit the accompanying $15 fee.

Please call/text your Instructor directly if you need to make any changes, including a change of starting and ending location.

Where will my lessons begin/end?

Please see our Lesson Logistics page for more info!

Will my lesson Begin/Conclude exactly at the designated time?

It can be tough to predict weather, traffic, and other conditions that effect the timing of behind the wheel lessons. We will do everything we can to safely arrive on time for the start of your lesson and to safely guide you to your destination by the designated time. Please allow 10-15 minutes on either end of your lesson for unexpected fluctuations.

Am I required to have a certain number of hours behind the wheel with a parent/Guardian/Custodian before starting behind the wheel lessons?

We require students enrolled in all class D certificate-granting courses to have at least 10 hours of on-street behind the wheel driving experience before their first behind the wheel lesson with their Driving Instructor (unless the student enrolls in our Bridging the Gap course).

Please note: the State of Ohio requires that new drivers under 21 have fifty (50) hours behind the wheel with a parent/guardian/custodian before taking the driving exam, ten (10) of which must be at night. Additional hours with a licensed Driving Instructor may substitute for all or part of the 50 hours.

How many classroom lessons must I attend?

For new drivers under 21, the State of Ohio requires that you attend all 24 hours of classroom lessons or the online equivalent provided by an approved course.

For adults 21 and over, there is no classroom requirement unless you are not able to pass both portions of the road test (driving + maneuverability) on the first attempt or you are a Limited-Term License applicant.

How long do I have to complete driver education?

Teen and Class D classroom students have one (1) year from the day they begin their classroom lessons to complete the entire program, including the required behind the wheel hours.

Teen and Class D online classroom students have six (6) months from the day they begin their behind the wheel lessons to complete them.

All other students should see the applicable training agreement for their course for more info!

How many hours must I drive with a parent/guardian/custodian?

The State of Ohio requires that you drive fifty (50) hours with a parent/guardian (10 of which are at night - half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise) before attempting the driving exam. These hours will be verified with an affidavit that must be submitted to the license bureau. The affidavit can be found at https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/bmv5791.pdf. Additional hours with a licensed Driving Instructor may substitute for all or part of the 50 hours.

Can I drive with someone other than a parent/guardian/custodian?

If the driver is age 16 or older, driving with any valid licensed driver 21 or over in the passenger seat is permitted, except from midnight - 6 a.m., when the driver must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (BMV.ohio.gov)

Can I serve as a designated driver for an intoxicated parent/guardian/custodian?

The parent, guardian or licensed driver in the passenger seat shall not be intoxicated. (BMV.ohio.gov)

When can I take my driving exam?

Teen and Class D students are eligible to take the driving exam after holding their temporary permits for 6 months, driving with a parent/guardian/custodian for at least 50 hours (10 of which must be at night), and the completion of driver education.

How do I schedule my driving exam?

Click here to schedule your exam on the BMV website.

When does my permit expire?

Your permit expires one (1) year from the original date of issuance.

If I have to renew my permit, do I have to wait another 6 months before taking my exam?

Nope! The 6 month requirement for new drivers under 18 is a one-time requirement.

What happens if I turn 21 before taking my driving exam?

At that point, you no longer need to provide proof of the completion of driver education to Driver Exam Services before attempting your driving exam. If you are not able to pass one or both portions of the exam, you will be required to take abbreviated adult driver education, unless you have completed a Teen & Class D driver education program within the previous year. 

How do I schedule the Test prep package?

Speak with your assigned Instructor in your first behind the wheel lesson or mention your interest when scheduling your lessons. You may need to provide additional information regarding scheduling your exam with Driver Exam Services.

HOw do I schedule additional lessons?

Some students want a bit more behind the wheel prep than the State of Ohio requires. For those students, we have a few different options. Click here to register for our Driving Lessons - 12 Hours course, or click here to register for our Driving Lessons - 6 Hours Course. Whether you have a license or you are still working to achieve that goal, more time behind the wheel with a licensed Driving Instructor will lead to more confidence and reduce the likelihood of being involved in a fatal crash.

What is a compliant license?

A compliant license serves as proof of identification when entering government building or at airports. It does not affect your driving privileges. For more information, please click here.

Can I drive with my permit in other states/countries?

Please contact the bureau/department of motor vehicles for that particular state. You may also refer to this website, but Safe Pass is not responsible for the accuracy of the information it contains, as laws are constantly evolving. 

How many passengers can I have in the car once I have my license?

Licensed under 1 year - as many family members as there are seatbelts; 1 non-family member friend.
Licensed 1 year or over (or are 18+) - as many passengers as there are factory-installed seatbelts.

Can I attend class and have a behind the wheel lesson in the same day?

The State of Ohio requires that all students participating in teen driver education programs complete the required 24 hours of classroom lessons before beginning behind the wheel lessons.

Once I have my license, will there be any restrictions?

During the first 12 months of holding a license may not operate a vehicle from midnight - 6 a.m. unless:

• Accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825)
• Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)

May not operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member as a passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts.
Driver may not use any mobile devices, including phones.
A conviction of a traffic offense within the first six months of having a license may result in a parent or guardian having to accompany the driver for six months or until the driver reaches age 17.
After the first 12 months of holding a license and under age 18 may not operate a vehicle from 1 - 5 a.m. unless:

• Accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825)
• Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)

Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts.
Driver may not use any mobile devices, including phones.
Multiple traffic convictions before the driver’s 18th birthday may result in a license suspension. For alcohol-related convictions, the driver license will be suspended for at least six months (see Ohio Revised Code 4511.19).

What do I have to bring with me when I take my driving exam?

When you go to a Driver Exam Services station to take your driving exam, be sure to have your TIPIC, your driver education completion certificate, and the color/make/license plate number of the vehicle you will use for your exam. Once you have passed your exam, you can go to the License Bureau.
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If you are planning on getting a compliant license or have questions about it, more information can be found at https://upgradedpoints.com/real-id-act and https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/NEWDL-ID/new-card-compare.aspx.

How do I schedule my driving exam?

If you are practicing with your Instructor on the day of your exam, your Instructor will have made your exam appointment for you. If you are practicing on your own on the day of your exam, you can make your driving exam appointment by clicking here.

Can I use my own car for drivinG lessons?

Our driving instruction vehicles are specially outfitted with a brake on the passenger's side of the vehicle. For the safety of our Instructors and our students, all lessons will be instructed in one of these vehicles.

Do you offer specific courses for students with learning differences, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

While we do not offer specific courses for students with learning differences, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, our style of instruction is rooted in the idea that everyone learns differently. To support that core value, we offer a holistic approach to each student's driver education, working with students and families to craft personalized journeys to licensure. We aim to communicate with students and their families as much or as little as they need for the student and their family to gain a full picture of abilities, challenges, successes recommendations, and next steps. Sometimes, this means that we're spending more time behind the wheel with your student than what the State requires; we only recommend additional lessons if we believe the student can benefit from them. (One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to time behind the wheel.) It can often take a village to form a well-educated and confident driver, and we're happy to be a part of yours. (Please note: if students do have IEPs or require specific accommodations, we encourage them to let us know so that we can ensure they have the proper tools to succeed in the ways in which they feel most comfortable.)

Can I pay by cash, check, or money order?

We have found that offering the ability to pay by credit card or debit card is the easiest, most efficient way for most of our students and them families. However, we will accept other forms of payment under certain circumstances. If you would like to pay by cash, check, or money order, please contact our main office before submitting your registration. Please note: approval to payment by other means is not guaranteed.

What is your refund policy?

Please click here for our refund policy. This is also linked on each page of our website as well as within the availability questionnaire

Should I tip my Driving Instructor? How can I Provide Feedback?

The best tip our Instructors could receive is the words and recommendations of our students and their families! If one of our Instructors or staff members has met or exceeded your expectations, please consider leaving us a review on Google, Yelp!, Facebook, or by emailing the Owners!

WHEN Can I Begin Scheduling my Behind the Wheel Lessons?

Teen & Class D Classroom Students - shortly after you complete classroom lessons and receive our message with your grade on the end of class test and the link and password to the availability questionnaire. Once we receive and review your availability questionnaire responses, an Instructor will reach out to schedule behind the wheel lessons within approximately five (5) business days. Register for the classroom + behind the wheel course (our most popular course!) here.

Teen & Class D Online Students - once you have completed your online course and have received your online course completion certification, register for behind the wheel lessons here. Once we receive and review your availability questionnaire responses, an Instructor will reach out to schedule behind the wheel lessons within approximately five (5) business days.

Abbreviated Adult Online Students - once you have completed your online course and have received your online course completion certification, register for behind the wheel lessons here. Once we receive and review your availability questionnaire responses, an Instructor will reach out to schedule behind the wheel lessons within approximately five (5) business days.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY DRIVER EDUCATION COMPLETION CERTIFICATE?

Your driver education completion certificate will be emailed to the email addresses on your availability questionnaire responses within approximately 7 business days of the completion of both classroom & behind the wheel lessons and the reconciliation of any outstanding fees, whichever comes later. You will be able to schedule your driving exam only once this certificate is issued.

What is considered a business day?

"A business day is a popular unit of time measure that typically refers to any day in which normal business operations are conducted. In Western countries, this is generally considered to be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time and excludes weekends and public holidays." (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/business-day.asp​)

What do I do if I lose my permit?

You must have a valid temporary permit for all behind the wheel lessons. If you lose your permit, you must return to the License Bureau and request a replacement. Once you are issued a new permit, all previous permits are considered invalid. 

In what languages are classes and lessons conducted?

Classes and lessons are conducted in American English. For the safety of our Instructors and our students, a good understanding and ability to speak American English is necessary when taking classes and lessons with Safe Pass, especially behind the wheel.

​If this is a concern, please reach out to our main office with any questions.

When is the scheduling processed considered to have begun?

The scheduling process is considered to have begun once a student's availability questionnaire responses have been received.

Can I take lessons with Safe Pass If I have an out of state permit? What about an out of state license?

We require all students to hold either a TIPIC issued by the State of Ohio or a driver license issued in a state to which Ohio shows reciprocity.

In what ways does Safe Pass use AI?

Unless a response you receive specifically says that it is an auto-reply message, all communications (text, email, phone calls, etc.) come from a real, live Driving Instructor! We always have and always will continue to value the relationships with have with our students and families and the trust those relationships empower us to put in one another. Every moment that communication and relationships take is worth the partnerships we build!

​And while so many other experiences in our lives are farmed out to always-available AI, we appreciate your patience and support as we continue to reach out and to respond intentionally and within our capabilities as a small driving school.

Here are some commonly used terms that you may encounter throughout your driver education journey...

Abbreviated Adult driver education - instituted by the State of Ohio in 2017, this is a course that adults (those beginner drivers who are 18+) who have never held a license are required to take if they are not able to pass one or both parts (maneuverability + road test) of the driving exam on the first attempt. This course includes four (4) hours of instruction in the classroom and four (4) hours of practical behind the wheel Instruction. And yes...we offer this course!

Adult - for the purpose of driver education, this is an individual who is 21 years of age or older.

Adult Remedial - According to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, "If you have at least two points but fewer than 12 points on your driving record, you may be eligible to complete a remedial driver course for a two-point credit. Completing the course does not remove points from your record, but can act as a cushion against future convictions that may take you to 12 points within a two-year period."

Behind the Wheel lesson - a practical period of instruction in which a student is directed by an Instructor to perform certain tasks and feats while operating a motor vehicle. May also be referred to as an in-car.

Cancelation fee - if a student should cancel or need to reschedule a lesson according to the cancelation policy found on the training agreement, a fee will be assessed and must be submitted before the next lesson can be scheduled. If a cancelation or the need to reschedule is the result of student illness, a note from a licensed physician clearly stating that the student’s illness made it unsafe for the student to drive will be accepted in lieu of the cancelation fee.

Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) - a governing body of the State of Ohio that includes the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the mission of DPS is “to save lives, reduce injuries and economic loss, administer Ohio’s motor vehicle laws, and preserve the safety and wellbeing of all citizens.

Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws - a publication offered by the Department of Public Safety, this is an excellent reference for the most commonly referred to rules and regulations of the road. All aspiring student drivers are encouraged to review this digest before taking their temporary permit exam. It is available both online and in hard copy at any Driver Exam Services station.

Driver education completion certificate - once a student completes their entire driver education course, the driver education school with which they completed their behind the wheel lessons will provide them will a driver education completion certificate. Students are required to present a hard copy original of this certificate at Driver Education Services on the day they take their driving exam.

Driver Exam Services Station - staffed by Driving Examiners, the Driver Exam Services Station provides testing services for teens and adults attempting to attain their temporary permits or licenses.

Driving Instructor - a professional who is trained and licensed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety to provide driver education both in the classroom and behind the wheel.

Driving test - one of two parts of the road test. The driver is expected to stop and start, turn around and back up, perform turns, use vehicle turn signals, drive in the correct lane, maintain a safe following distance, and perform other functions related to the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

Fifty hour affidavit - a document requiring the signature of a Notary Public that attests to the student having complete a minimum of fifty (50) hours of driving, including a minimum of ten (10) hours of driving at night between one half-hour after sunset and one half-hour before sunrise. This is signed by the 21+ licensed driver with whom the new driver completed the majority of their required behind the wheel hours.

Juvenile Driver Improvement Program (JDIP) - also known as juvenile remedial. According to Ohio Driver Training, "The Juvenile Driver Improvement Program or Juvenile Remedial is a 6-hour (classroom only) course required by courts and Ohio BMV for teens who have received a second or third traffic conviction. The course discusses reasons to modify unsafe driving behaviors and decisions teens make as novice drivers."

Maneuverability test - one of two parts of the road test. The driver is expedted to move forward and back through a 9’ by 40’ course formed by five markers.

Online course - while we always recommend that teens and adults take classes in person with a licensed Instructor, the required twenty-four (24) hours of classroom time for those taking the teen course and the required four (4) hours of classroom time for those taking the abbreviated adult course are available in an online format as well. Safe Pass partners with Costech Technologies (an online-only driving school) to offer these courses.

Online course completion certification - once a teen completes the online driver education course or an adult completes the online abbreviated adult driver education course, the online driver education school will send proof of completion to a student through the mail. This certificate must be presented to the school with which you have enrolled for your behind the wheel lessons.

Parent/guardian/custodian/student's adult - the person(s) legal responsible for the wellbeing of a person under eighteen (18) years of age

Road test - also referred to as the driving exam. The road test is comprised of the maneuverability test and driving test. Both must be successfully completed to attain a license in the State of Ohio.

Road test scoring sheet - the form used by Driving Examiners used to evaluate and record the performance of an individual who is taking the driving exam. Once the exam is complete, the Examiner will give the road test scoring sheet to individual who took the exam, indicating whether or not a passing score was attained and what points, if any, they had accumulated.

Teen - for the purpose of driver education, this is an individual between the age of 15 and 5 months and 17 and 364 days. A teen can register for and begin taking classroom lessons at the age of 15 and 5 months.

Teen & Class D driver education - a course consisting of twenty-four (24) hours of classroom time and eight (8) hours of practical behind the wheel instruction, both lead by a licensed and experienced Driving Instructor. The State of Ohio requires that new drivers under 21 complete both portions of driver education within one (1) year of attending their first classroom session. Students must complete the full driver education course before attempting the driving exam.

TIPIC - Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card, also known as a temporary permit or temps. A student driver must carry their TIPIC with them at all times when operating a motor vehicle. It is valid for one (1) year.
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Training agreement - documents the agreement between the driving school and the student. It outlines the terms under which instruction is to be offered, expectations for the student’s behavior, and more.